Bangladesh
Bangladesh-USA Bangladesh and the United States are interested in closer cooperation
Dhaka, February 25: Bangladesh and the United States have expressed interest in working closely together to address the challenges of South Asia and the greater Indo-Pacific region. A statement from the US State Department said that the two countries had expressed their interest in a telephone conversation between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and US Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken on Wednesday.
The two foreign ministers discussed ways to strengthen the economy, counter-terrorism and defense co-operation, and find ways to address common challenges such as climate change.
The two leaders also discussed the current situation in Myanmar, a lasting solution to the Rohingya refugee crisis and the importance of respect for labor and human rights, a statement said.
It was further said that Blinken congratulated Foreign Minister Momen on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence in 2021. Dr. Momen left for Washington, D.C., on February 22 for his first visit to the United States since the Biden administration took over the Oval Office of the White House.
"We don't have any specific issues," he told reporters before the visit. We will have detailed discussions on various issues.
In addition to discussions with the US Secretary of State, the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with various officials of the new US administration.
Dhaka is keen to build a deeper relationship with Washington after taking charge of the new US administration.
Earlier, Momen expressed hope that President Biden's new administration would take seriously the issue of handing over fugitive Rashed Chowdhury, convicted in the murder case of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Because it could be a 'game changer' in the Bangladesh-US partnership.
Highlighting the high return on investment in Bangladesh as well as good communication facilities, the Foreign Minister welcomed US investment in Special Economic Zones (EPZs) and high-tech parks.
Both sides expressed hope that US companies could reap more benefits in Bangladesh and invest heavily in the country, especially in ICT, energy, medicine and infrastructure development.
The Secretary of State requested the Secretary of State to assist in water management.
